With the 13th Pick the Miami Dolphins Select…

As if the trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Miami Dolphins could not get any sweeter, it seems the Dolphins’ 8th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft was also a part of the blockbuster trade finalized Wednesday.

In a recent string of tweets posted by Benjamin Allbright, @allbrightNFL, (which have now been deleted) the radio host explained the trade that sent cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso to the Miami Dolphins also included both teams swapping draft picks.

With the trade above now accepted, players like Myles Jack and Joey Bosa are completely out of reach for the Miami Dolphins. However, the addition of Mario Williams, Alonso, and Maxwell also drastically changed Miami’s drafting needs.

In moving to 13, it is now time to reevaluate the Miami Dolphins’ draft pick and find the best possible suitor outside of the top-10.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

Outlook: Powerful, physical running back with excellent field vision and elusiveness. Strong pass-blocker and improving ability to be a playmaker in the passing game. Elliott is a 3-down back with elite size, athleticism, break away speed, and strength in the trenches. Looks to be an instant starter in the NFL.

Why it Works: Unrestricted free agent Lamar Miller is set to make a whooping $6.5 million per season, which does not fit into the Dolphins’ current budget. Elliott is hands down the best running back in his years class, and his 47 receptions last season help fit Elliott into Adam Gase’s system.

Concern: Though Conklin performed better than expected at combine his footwork still needs some work.

Why it Works: Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 184 time since arriving in Miami in 2012. That alone should be reason enough… The Dolphins’ three key lineman (Brandon Albert, Mike Pouncey Ja’Wuan James) have see limited field time together, and their guards (Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas) ranked among the worst in the NFL. By drafting Conklin, the Dolphins would add much needed depth to a depleted line, and they could also move right tackle Ja’Wuan James inside to guard.

Andrew Billing, DT, Baylor

Outlook: At only 21 years old, Andrew Billing has elite NFL ready power, and he has shown solid growth since moving to defense. Swallows up running backs in the trenches, and his size and strength give him the ability to dominate guards on pass rushing situations or when single blocked. Still learning technique, but his raw talent stands out among a weak draft class.

Concern: Extremely young, just turned 21 a few days ago. Will need to learn fundamentals, still very raw for a starting NFL defensive tackle.

Why it Works: While at first glance the Dolphins’ defensive line looks elite, depth is something it lacks. Derrick Shelby is a unrestricted free-agent, last year’s second round draft pick, Jordan Philips, struggles against the run, and Miami’s pass rushers are not only veterans (Cameron Wake: 34-years old, Mario Williams: 31-years old) but also have limited time left under contract. Billing is young and athletic, and his physicality could pair nicely with would-be mentor Ndamukong Suh.